Pineapple-Lemon Chicken
Pineapple-Lemon Chicken offers a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a flavorful sauce, complemented by pineapple slices and lemon for a refreshing twist. Ideal for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is both vibrant and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving the juice.
- Combine the reserved pineapple juice with garlic, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and crumbled rosemary to make the sauce.
- Arrange the split chicken breasts in a shallow casserole dish, skin side up, and sprinkle with salt.
- Broil the chicken until browned.
- Stir the prepared sauce to recombine.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Arrange pineapple slices and lemon slices around the chicken.
- Spoon the sauce over all ingredients.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes to finish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Consider using fresh rosemary instead of dried for a more intense flavor. Serve this dish with a side of rice or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors, similar to Lemon-Garlic Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pineapple-Lemon Chicken with fluffy white rice or a vibrant salad. The sweet and tangy flavors pair beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. For a complete meal, consider serving with Parsley Bake Rice With Vegetables to balance the dish's richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps to retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Lemon Chicken contains roughly 189 calories, with 21g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1360mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish. Just make sure to cut it into similar-sized slices as the canned pineapple for even cooking.
What can I serve with Pineapple-Lemon Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine and follow the baking instructions for a quick and easy dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).